Besides providing taste, color, and aroma, certain seasonings can
also add health to your meals. Herbs and spices contain
phytochemicals which are natural health promoting substances and
have been found to protect us against diseases such as cancer and
heart disease. So here’s to spicing up your meal and health!
Here
are 4 herbs you can add for flavor and health.
Turmeric- is also called curcumin and may help protect against
cancers including prostate, colon, skin, and oral cavity. It also
may provide protection from heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and
cataracts.
Rosemary- contains a compound called carnosol, which provides
antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, as well as anti-carcinogenic agents.
This can provide protection from heart disease, cancer, and may be
helpful with decreasing painful inflammation with arthritis.
Oregano- contains Quercetin and may help protect against breast,
ovarian, and endometrial cancers. It also provides antiviral and
anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that oregano offers
the most antioxidant activities of all herbs examined.
Ginger- Substances in ginger are believed to have antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory effects and also can be used for treatment of
nausea and motion sickness.
Herbs are delicate so it is important to store them properly to
retain their nutritional value. Here are some tips on storage.
Fresh herbs- use as soon as possible! Store in perforated bags in
the crisper for up to 4 days.
Dried herbs- should be used within a year of purchase. Keep them
in airtight containers away from light and heat.
Use herbs generously in cooking to add both flavor and health to
your meals!
© Meri Raffetto, 2004
